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Say hello to an easy, comforting dinner that’s going to make your tastebuds sing. Done in under 30-minutes, this weeknight recipe will be a new favorite! Paleo, Whole30, and AIP friendly
Everyone needs a quick meal in their recipe arsenal. This delicious and nutrient-dense meal comes together in under 30-minutes and is a real crowd pleaser. Many of these components can be meal prepped ahead of time to really streamline the process. Just slice up your cabbage, onion, and apples; steam and mash your cauliflower; and pack each away for a quick dinner.
Ingredients in this easy supper (and substitutions)
- Cauliflower: this cruciferous veggie is packed with nutrients and fiber. If you don't have any on hand, substitute with broccoli, carrots or even sweet potatoes.
- Avocado Oil: a neutral-tasting oil packed with omega fatty acids. Feel free to substitute with olive oil or coconut oil for a fruitier flavor.
- Pork Chops: the main star of this delicious dinner. Substitute with chicken breast, chicken thighs or any quick-cooked protein of your choice.
- Sea Salt: a great flavor enhancer and filled with beneficial minerals. Swap it out for Kosher salt.
- Apples: this fiber rich fruit is great to feed those beneficial microbes in your gut and are thought to help reverse leaky gut. For a sweeter dish, substitute with pears.
- Onion: this allium is a great flavor enhancer and loaded with nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties. For an onion free dish, swap it out for celery and carrots.
- Cabbage: another heavy hitter cruciferous vegetable rich in vitamins and fiber. Substitute with kale if you aren't a fan of cabbage.
- Honey: a great natural sweetener low on the index scale. If you're all out of honey, replace it with molasses. It will change the flavors a bit, but it will still be delicious.
- Cinnamon: a spice ubiquitous in cooking loaded with beneficial antioxidants. Swap it out for more mace or ginger.
- Mace: an AIP-friendly replacement for nutmeg, Feel free to skip or replace with ground cloves.
How to make this pork chop dinner
First, prepare the cauliflower:
- Set a large pot of water over high heat to boil.
- Chop the cauliflower into florets, then once the water boils, place the cauliflower into the pot and set a timer for 20 minutes. (If using frozen florets just set the timer for 15 minutes.)
Meanwhile, prepare the pork chops:
- Heat 2 tbsp of the cooking oil in a large frying pan. Over medium high heat Season the pork chops with salt (and pepper if not on AIP), then add to the pan and cook for 4-5 min a side, until a thermometer reads 145 F.
- Meanwhile, thinly slice the apples (no need to peel), slice the onion, and core and shred the cabbage.
- When the pork is done, remove it from the pan and place on a plate covered with another plate or aluminum foil.
- If needed, Add the remaining 2 tbsp of cooking oil to the pan, then add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes, or until translucent. Then add the cabbage and cook for a minute to lessen the bulk, then add the apples, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg/mace, and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Stir and then cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is wilted and cooked through – about 3 minutes. Add more salt if needed.
- When the cauliflower is done, drain the cauliflower, then place in a large bowl or blender.
- Add a large pinch of sea salt and then blend with a hand immersion blender, potato masher, blender, or even a food processor. *If tolerated and not on AIP, ghee is a wonderful addition to add to this
- Slice the pork chops into thin strips.
- Serve the meal by putting a large scoop of mashed cauliflower on the bottom of the plate and then adding some cabbage mixture on top, followed by a sliced pork chop.
Want other Paleo and AIP easy dinner recipes? Try one of these!
Pear Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing (Paleo, AIP): If you love autumn and winter fruits, this salad is for you. It’s jam-packed with sweet fruit paired with savory chicken and a creamy tangy vinaigrette.
Pork Schnitzel with Brussels Slaw (Paleo, Whole30, AIP): An easy yet super flavorful and comforting weeknight dinner meal that can be on the table in under 30 minutes!
Italian Sheet Pan Supper (Paleo, Whole30, AIP): This is a super easy weeknight dinner packed with tons of flavor yet only 10 ingredients! Also easily make a 2nd batch to throw in the freezer for later.
Adobo Fish Tacos (Paleo, Whole30, AIP): Brightly colored and full of various delicious flavors and textures, these fish tacos are just the thing for a warm spring or summer night. Incredibly easy to make and get onto the table within minutes!
More Helpful AIP Resources in the Freebie Library
If you find this recipe helpful, you may really enjoy the resources in my Paleo & AIP Freebie Library! There's a “dump” freezer meal plan, a list of AIP-compliant breakfast toppings, and so much more. Plus, you'll get even more ideas sent to your inbox! Get the password here.
Pork Chops with Cabbage, Onions, and Apples with Mashed Cauliflower Recipe
If you make this pork and apples dinner, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Either comment below or share a pic on Instagram and tag me @thrivingautoimmune!
Pork Chops with Cabbage, Onions, and Apples with Mashed Cauliflower (Paleo, Whole30, AIP)
Ingredients
- 1 large head Cauliflower (approx 5 cups florets)
- 4 tbsp Avocado Oil (Coconut Oil or Olive oil)
- 4 boneless Pork Chops (approx 4 oz each)
- Sea Salt
- 2 medium Apples
- 1 Yellow Onion
- 1 small Cabbage (or 1/2 large green or red)
- 3 tbsp Honey (omit for Whole30)
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg (use Mace for AIP or omit)
Instructions
First, prepare the cauliflower:
- Set a large pot of water over high heat to boil.
- Chop the cauliflower into florets, then once the water boils, place the cauliflower into the pot and set a timer for 20 minutes.
- *If using frozen florets just set the timer for 15 minutes
Meanwhile, prepare the pork chops:
- Heat 2 tbsp of the cooking oil in a large frying pan. over medium high heat Season the pork chops with salt (and pepper if not on AIP), then add to the pan and cook for 4-5 min a side, until a thermometer reads 145 F.
- Meanwhile, thinly slice the apples (no need to peel), slice the onion, and core and shred the cabbage.
- When the pork is done, remove it from the pan and place on a plate covered with another plate or aluminum foil.
- If needed, Add the remaining 2 tbsp of cooking oil to the pan, then add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes, or until translucent. Then add the cabbage and cook for a minute to lessen the bulk, then add the apples, honey (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg/mace, and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Stir and then cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is wilted and cooked through – about 3 minutes. Add more salt if needed.
- When the cauliflower is done, drain the cauliflower, then place in a large bowl or blender.
- Add a large pinch of sea salt and then blend with a hand immersion blender, potato masher, blender, or even a food processor. *If tolerated and not on AIP, ghee is a wonderful addition to add to this
- Slice the pork chops into thin strips.
- Serve the meal by putting a large scoop of mashed caulifower on the bottom of the plate and then adding some cabbage mixture on top, followed by a sliced pork chop.
Notes
Nutrition
Interested in more Paleo and AIP-friendly recipes, meal prep guides, and more?
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